Every team has players that leave and end up becoming productive players elsewhere. The Memphis Grizzlies fall in that category.

Throughout the years, Memphis has given up on a few players that I really wish would still be around. Overall, they’re a great franchise and have done well for themselves. Sometimes, though, it’s just fun to play the “What if?” Game.

We’ve all done it on occasion. Whether it’s looking back on a job, ex boyfriend/girlfriend, school, investment or anything at all. You’ve done it.

These five players are all guys that were either waived, traded or let go in free agency. Some may recognize them, while others may not even realize that they were on the Grizz at one point.

5. Jason Williams

While “White Chocolate” did put up great numbers in his four seasons with the Grizzlies, the problem was just that.

Four seasons.

Possibly the most entertaining to watch point guard to ever play the game was packed up and traded to Miami as part of the biggest trade in NBA history (13 players).

With the Grizzlies, Williams averaged 11 points, 2.3 rebounds and 7.0 assists. This may have been his best stat line with any team, but J-Will was just entering his prime. He went on to win a championship with the Heat the year after he was traded.

He would re-sign with the Grizzlies during the 2010-11 season after being waived by Orlando. After dealing with injuries and being left off the Grizzlies’ playoff roster, though, Williams decided to call it a career and retire.

Jan 31, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) looks to make a pass during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports

4. DeMarre Carroll

Ok, you might be scratching your head. You may not know him, remember him playing for the Grizzlies or don’t know why he’s on this list.

I assure you that there’s a valid reason.

While playing in parts of two seasons in Memphis to start his career, Carroll only averaged 10 minutes per game. After only playing in 12 games in his second season, he ended up being traded to Houston to bring back Shane Battier.

After two years in Atlanta he signed a multi-year deal with Toronto in 2015-16 and helped lead the Raptors to their first series win in 15 years. Although he has battled injuries, he’s averaging a consistent 10 points, four rebounds and 1.4 steals.

The Grizz have had consistency issues at the Small Forward position in recent years. It makes me wonder how Carroll would’ve performed had Memphis kept him around.

2. Hassan Whiteside

Now here’s a current star player that you may have never realized even played for Memphis at one point.

Back in 2014, Memphis actually signed and waived Whiteside on two separate occasions. After the second time, Whiteside went on to sign with the Miami Heat. What has happened since then seems to be a surprise to everyone.

Immaturity aside, there’s nobody in their right mind that wouldn’t want that kind of production on their team. Could you imagine Gasol and Whiteside on the court at the same time? Memphis would easily have the most intimidating frontcourt in the NBA.

Come back Hassan. We may not need you, but damn we’d love to have you.

1. Kyle Lowry

This may not be that much of a surprise. Kyle Lowry has gone from being underutilized PG in Memphis to becoming a three-time All-Star, member of 2015-16 All-NBA Third Team and one of the best points guards in the league.

In 2009, Lowry was part of a three-team trade that sent him to Houston and landed Memphis Adonal Foyle, Mike Wilks and a first-round pick that ended up being DeMarre Carroll (irony, right. Editor’s note: this trade is so bad that it made me cry a little bit). Since that trade, Lowry has gotten exponentially better each season.

Although I love Mike Conley and wouldn’t want anyone else as the floor general for this squad, the thought of Lowry and Conley together is intriguing. A lineup consisting of Conley, Lowry, Allen, Randolph and Gasol would be a nightmare matchup for any team.